If news reports are to be believed, then Gateway Multichannel Retail (India), a joint venture of Hypercity Retail (India) and Shopper’s Stop, is expected to wind up and discontinue its catalogue retail operations under the Hypercity-Argos brand.
Gateway Retail operates catalogue, stores and internet retail, under franchise from Home Retail Group.
A decision to discontinue the Hypercity-Argos multi-channel retail business operations, following the initial two-year trial development period, was taken mutually by Gateway and Home Retail Group, as the business did not meet the planned performance levels, to support the investments required in the current economic climate.
Updating:
I called the Customer Care line on 022- 67733776 and the operator had no knowledge about their business going offline. Waiting for corporate communications to clarify if the JV is done and Internet retailing will continue or both are set to be short circuited.
Just got a confirmation from Corporate Communications at Shoppers Stop 022 – 66887688 saying that the the entire Hypercity Argos – Catalogue + Internet Retailing will be wound up.
Recall I had told way back in 2007, that Indian consumers are just introduced to Malls and a new shopping experience and they would like to enjoy it. Andrew Levermore had echoed similar voice, in our coverage on catalog retailing in India.